The first weekend in September is the time that Manilva celebrates its annual grape harvest, known as Vendimia, it’s yet another huge party.
This year the festivities start on Saturday 3rd Saturday with the local town band parading through the street and fireworks being let off at 8am (yes, 8am!!). In the afternoon, there is a Mass, followed by a procession where the virgin is carried from the church to the main street where she is presented with an offering of this season’s grapes. This is followed by a competition for the best bunch of grapes from the local vineyards!
All the bars in the main street open up onto the street and there is a real party atmosphere, however the party really begins around 10pm when there is live music and dancing- from experience of past years there is usually a clear division – top end of the street is slightly more sedate and traditional for the more mature members of the community and the lower end of the street is a pumping disco for the teenagers!!
The fiesta continues on Sunday at midday (allowing you to recover from Saturday!) There is more live music and dancing (and drinking!!) Later in the afternoon, there is a procession of horses and riders, all dressed in traditional costume, riding through the streets, followed by the ceremonial first treading of the grapes.
Monday is a local bank holiday which means we can all recover!!
Go along and experience a real Spanish fiesta…..and sample the sweet Manilva wine!!
DF
